05 June 2011
The Waikato's top Police officer is commending his staff and those of the Northern Communications Centre for the arrest of three men following a lengthy pursuit this morning.
Superintendent Win Van Der Velde said the incident began when a member of the public reported the occupants of two cars acting suspiciously in Papakura about 9am.
"When attending Counties Manukau Police staff arrived one of the cars, a white 1996 Subaru station-wagon, sped off and a pursuit was initiated, managed by the Northern Communications Centre.
"As the fleeing driver's speed reached 160km/h in the wet on the Southern Motorway, the pursuit was abandoned on instructions of the shift manager at North Comms but additional units were alerted further down the road."
The car was then spotted again near Pokeno and followed by a Highway Patrol officer on back roads heading towards Pokeno.
Inspector Kerry Watson of the Northern Communications Centre said the driver's speed again caused Police concern and the chase was abandoned but through good work by the dispatchers responding units were able to keep in touch with the offenders' direction of travel.
"This car, which was originally stolen yesterday from Whakatane, was by now crossing from the Counties Manukau District into the Waikato on SH2 and the two Districts work on separate communication channels so it was a challenge ensuring the transition went smoothly.
"That it did is a testament to the training put in to such scenarios, we had Counties Manukau GDB and Highway staff and then officers from across the Waikato, from Thames, Matamata-Piako and Hamilton, all involved at different stages seeking the offenders."
Mr Van Der Velde said several cordons were established on Waikato roads however it was a patrol car doing an area canvas that located the Subaru in the grounds of Morrinsville Hospital.
"Hospital staff then advised Police of the direction of travel a group of men from the car had taken and a responding dog handler from Hamilton tracked three men who have been arrested and are currently being interviewed.
"This morning's incident is a good example of the effectiveness of timely reporting. During the 90 minutes between the vehicle speeding off in Papakura through to the arrest of the trio in Morrinsville several members of the public assisted Police by reporting sightings while the ability to relay directions via radio was invaluable in ensuring the offenders were caught."
Mr Van Der Velde said given the driving conditions at the time of the incident it was pleasing the fleeing driver was able to be apprehended through the effective management of the incident of all involved.
"In acknowledging the assistance of several members of the public this morning I would ask anyone who witnessed the driver of the Subaru's behaviour between South Auckland and Morrnisville to make contact with Morrinsville Police on 07 889 5071."
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